Doctors in England and Wales are being told not to prescribe antibiotics for common coughs and colds. The over-prescription of antibiotics has been linked to the development of “superbugs” that resist treatment.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical says the drugs do little to help cure coughs and colds. Many are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics.

Guidelines published by the Institute state that doctors should defer prescribing antibiotics immediately for ear infections, sore throats, sinus trouble and coughs and colds in children and adults.